To check stagnation, govt to put cap on direct recruitments like IFS and IRS

New Delhi: To check stagnation and inefficiency among babus, the Centre has decided to put a cap on direct recruitments to various Group A services like IFS and IRS.

The direct recruitments to these services will be up to three per cent of the sanctioned cadre strength, as per a new draft policy finalised today by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).

The restriction of three per cent, which was first introduced in 1998, was removed in 2010. However, this removal of restriction has given rise to large intake by the cadres which is a matter of great concern as it has been observed that over recruitment causes stagnation which results in demotivation in young officers, it said.

In addition, over recruitment also distorts the cadre structure, strains the organisational infrastructure and affects the overall efficiency of the cadres, the DoPT said.

“Therefore, it is proposed that the restriction of direct recruitments up to three per cent of the sanctioned cadre strength may be reintroduced in all central Group A service with immediate effect,” it said.

All cadre controlling authorities — like the Finance Ministry for Indian Revenue Service (IRS) and the External Affairs Ministry for Indian Foreign Service (IFS) — have been asked to send their comments by this month-end.

“In case no reply is received by January 31, 2016, it would be assumed that your ministry or department has no objection,” the DoPT said in a communique.

There are 59 Group A services including Indian Telecom Service and Indian Audit and Accounts Service.